Gary Lineker wins appeal against HMRC over £4.9m tax bill; Details here

Gary Lineker emerged victorious against HMRC over a £4.9 million tax bill. The Match of the Day host, who owns his own business and freelances for the BBC and BT Sport, was informed by the tax authorities that he should have been classified as an employee. The former England striker had filed an appeal with a tribunal on the HMRC action, which was connected to the IR35 Act, which was created to crack down on tax evasion by so-called disguised employees. The judge's decision on Lineker's status as a freelancer with direct contracts with the two broadcasters came on Tuesday.

“The effect of my conclusions is that because there were direct contracts, between the BBC and Mr. Lineker and BT Sport and Mr. Lineker, the intermediaries legislation (IR35) does not, and cannot as a matter of law, apply,” said Judge John Brooks, in a 17-page ruling. “Accordingly, and notwithstanding GLM being a partnership, that is the end of the matter and the appeal succeeds.”

Lineker has maintained that all taxes were paid on income via GLM (Gary Lineker Media), a partnership set up in 2012 with his ex-wife, Danielle Bux.


The 62-year-old, who earlier this month won a showdown with the BBC after being temporarily suspended following his tweet about the government’s asylum policy, first launched an appeal on the tax decision in 2019. A tribunal hearing took place last month.

Following the news, Lineker said, via a spokesperson that he was “pleased that the tribunal has confirmed” that he has not failed to pay any taxes or national insurance by reason of the IR35 rules.

Lineker’s lawyers had previously said that he was targeted by tax inspectors because of his fame.
HMRC said that it is their duty to ensure everyone pays the right tax under the law, regardless of wealth or status, according to the spokesperson, as per reports.

HMRC has been pursuing Lineker along with other television hosts as part of a campaign against IR35. In addition to these broadcasters, HMRC has also took action against Lorraine Kelly and Kaye Adams, who both prevailed in their appeals. After arguing that she could refuse work whenever she wanted to and that when she appeared on her own show each morning, she was merely playing the part of "a friendly, chatty and fun personality" called Lorraine Kelly, Kelly was successful in her appeal against a £1.2 million tax bill.

FAQs

1) What is the full form of HMRC?
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

2) Who is Gary Lineker?
A professional footballer and current sports broadcaster.